THE REV. J. LAWSONS POEMS. DEFENCE OE POESY; AND (BtUx ^oems : TO WHICH ARE ADDED, FORMER PUBLICATIONS COLLECTED AND REVISED. BY THE REY. JAMES LAWSON, M. A. Vicar of Budcminster, Leicestershire. LONDON : HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. PATERNOSTER ROW ; J. S. CROSSLEY, LEICESTER; S. RIDGE, GRANTHAM. 1842. CONTENTS. PAGE General Preface 9 Defence of Poesv and other Poems. Dedication 15 Notice 17 I. A Defence of Poesy, 19 II. The Waters of the Greta 22 III. Lines composed during a visit to the English Lakes.. 25 IV. Music 27 V. The Ocean Spell 28 VI. Lines occasioned by a Sea-side Walk to Church on a Calm Sunday Morning 31 VII. On a distant prospect from the County of Durham of the Tees at its Junction during high water with the Sea 33 VIII. To the Cowthorpe Oak 36 IX. To a Winter Aconite 38 X. Friendship 40 XI. To a Violet 4j XII. The Passing-Bell 43 XIII. The Refuge 44 XIV. Paraphrase of the 117th Psalm 4fi XV. Thoughts in Verse suggested by Lord Byron's Poem commencing "There's not a joy the world can give like that it takes away, When the glow of early thought," 47 XVL Paraphrase of the 125th Psalm 49 XVII. To a Lark Singing on an Easter Morning . . 50 XVIII. The Yearly Voyage 52 XIX. Paraphrase of the 126th Psalm 55 XX. A Short Litany 5(5 XXI. The Church's Prayer 57 Appendix 58 KV 762939 6 CONTENTS. The Penitent's Cave, &c. PAGE Original Preface 63 XXII. The Penitent's Cave 65 XXIII. Lines written by the Sea-side 68 XXIV. Lines written during some Sunny Days in March, 1838 70 XXV. On the Author's hearing, as he believed, the same Blackbird singing, in the Spring of 1838, which he had heard twelve months before .. .. 74 XXVI. Paraphrase of the Collect appointed for use on the Feast of the Purification of St. Mary .. .. 76 XXVII. To a Star which shone beautifully over a Village Church 71 XXVIII. Lines addressed to a Cornelian-Finder .. .. 79 XXIX. Prayer on behalf of those at Sea 81 XXX. Paraphrase of Psalm viii. 83 XXXI. The Darkest Hour on Earth, and the way of relief from its influence 85 XXXII. Paraphrase of Psalm xi. 87 XXXIII. Bishop Wilson's Return, from his Imprisonment at Castle Rushen, to his own House .. .. 89 XXXIV. Paraphrase of the concluding Portion of the Eighth Chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans . . 92 XXXV. The Church's Confidence 94 XXXVI. Paraphrase of Psalm Ixxxvii 97 XXXVII. A Birth-day Petition 99 XXXVIII. Christ's Power over Man's Heart 101 XXXIX. Paraphrase of Psalm cxxx. 103 XL. Lines suggested by V. 10 of Psalm xxix. .. .. 105 XLI. Lines suggested by our Lord's question, (John xx. 15,) " Woman, why weepest thou ?" . . . . 107 XLIL Harvest 109 XLIH. A Hymn Ill XLIV. Autumn 113 XLV. Subject suggested by Bishop Jeremy Taylor, to be meditated upon by those who are awake in bed at night 115 XLVI. Lines xvritten on St. Luke's Day 117 XLVII. Hymn for All Saints' Day 119 XLVIII. Paraphrase of Psalm cxxxiv. .. .. .. 121 XLIX. Doxology 122 Appendix 123 CONTENTS. 7 Davs of Darkness. PAOB Original Dedication .. .. .. .. .. ..127 Original Preface .. .. .. .. .. 129 L. The Mourner's Refuge .. .. .. .. i;il LI. Lines on the Death of the late Rev. Alexander Stewart .. .. .. .. .. 1X5 LII. Lines on the same subject .. .. .. 13fi LIU. Paraphrase of Psalm XX. .. .. .. 138 LIV. Paraphrase of Job ii. 8— 10 .. .. .. 140 LV. Resignation. Lines written on reading St. John xviii. II. .. . .. .. ..142 LVl. Lines addressed to the late Bishop of Quebec during his last illness .. .. .. .. 144 LVII. Paraphrase of Psalm xlvi. .. .. .. 146 LVIII. Lines addressed to a Lady on the Loss of her little boy Henry .. .. .. .. 148 LIX. Lines written on reading Acts xvi. 25 .. ..150 LX. On hearing a Blackbird Singing on a Winter-like Evening at the end of March, 1837 .. ..152 Miscellaneous Poems. LXl. Verses written at the commencement of June, 1837 153 LXII. Verses written during the Snow-storm of Christmas 1836 .. .. .. .. ., 156 LXIII. Christmas Day .. .. ,. .. 158 LXIV. Address to the Departing Year .. .. ..160 LXV. Lines applicable to an inquisitive person, suggested by St. Matthew vii. 5 .. .. .. 162 LXVI. Paraphrase of theXhirteenth Portion of Psalmcxix. 163 LXVII. Answers to the Questions, " What is Heaven ? What is Hell?" .. .. .. .. 164 LXVIII. Address to an ancient Village Church .. Ifi5 LXIX. Address to a Vane .. .. .. ..167 LXX. Address to the Wind . . . . . . 169 LXXI. Paraphrase of Psalm cxxxii. .. .. .. 170 LXXII. Commendation of the Author and his Book to God 173 Appendix .. .. .. ,, ,. .. ..174 Sacred Pastime. Original Dedication .. .. .. .. ..177 Extract from Original Preface .. .. .. .. ng 8 CONTENTS. PA(iE LXXIII. The Emigrant's Appeal from the Distant Settle- ments of Canada to his Native Land , . . . 181 LXXIV. Lines on Jeremiah X. 23 .. •• •• '84 LXXV. Lines suggested by the Confession in the Book of Common Prayer . . . . • . . 185 LXXVL Paraphrase of the Absolution, in ditto . . 187 LXXVII. Gloria Patri . . . . • . • • . . 188 LXXVIIL On hearing the Wind roaring boisterously at Night 189 LXXIX. Dawn of Day .. .. •• •• ..191 LXXX. A Free Paraphrase of Second Collect at Evening Prayer . . . . • • > • • • '92 LXXXI. Paraphrase of Third Collect at ditto . . 193 LXXXII. Paraphrase of Psalm xlii. .. .• ..194 LXXXIIl. Address tea Village Church Clock .. .. 196 LXXXIV. Paraphrase of Psalm c. . . . . • • . . 197 LXXXV. Lines on Ecclesiastes xi. 9, 10 .. •• 198 LXXXVl. A Free Paraphrase of Psalm Ixxvi. .. ..200 LXXXVII. Paraphrase of Jeremiah iii. 22 .. .. 202 LXXXVIII. Paraphrase of the Prayer for all Conditions of Men, in the Book of Common Prayer . . . . 203 LXXX IX. Paraphrase of the General Thanksgiving, in ditto 206 XC. Hymn for a Funeral . . • . . . . . 207 XCI. Lines on Infant Baptism . . . . . . 208 XCII. Lines on Acts viii. 8 .. .. .. .. 209 XCllI. Paraphraseof the Fifth Part of Psalm cxix. .. 210 XCIV. Paraphrase of the Collect in the Communion Service in the Book of Common Prayer .. ..211 XCV. Meditation in Verse on Psalm cxxii. . . 212 XCVI. SuppUcation before partaking of the Lord's Supper 213 XCVII. On hearing the Low Murmur of the Wind at Night 214 XCVin. The Morning Mist .. .. .. ..216 XCIX. Hymn for Advent ;. . .. .. .. 216 C. Address to the Jackdaws which inhabit the Steeple of Buckminster Church .. .. ..218 CL The Spirits of the Wind .. .. .. 220 CII. The Power of Faith, as exhibited in a Storm at Sea 221 Cin. Paraphrase of 2 Cor. xiii. 14 .. .. ..223 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 List of Subscriptions . . . . . . • • 226 GENERAL PREFACE. There is a hidden fount of sacred song Deep-seated in the souls of those who love The prayers of England's Church. Whatever's fair Or musical around us bids it flow In heart-felt hymns to the Redeemer's praise. The melody of birds, the sootliing sound Of purling waters as they gently lave Their flower-strown banks, the glimpse of distant waves On ocean's sun-lit bosom, and not least (Belonging to some village house of prayer) The " ivy-mantled tower" or airy spire. With other kindred objects which the eyes Of gain-pursuing mortals heedless pass. To heav'n-train'd souls are types of truth divine, Truth which affords a settled peace and hope In trouble's darkest hour. Reader, if aught Which I have writ shall (through the Spirit's grace) Kindle such feeling in thee, praise His name 10 GENERAL PREFACE. Who only what is good inspires in man j And as a token of sincere desire God's glory to advance, with willing heart AflPord thine aid the ruins to restore* a The work in behalf of which the reader's brotherly co-operation is in these lines solicited, is the restoration of a Chapel of Ease to the village of Sewstern, in the parish of Buckminster. NichoUs, in his History of Leicestershire, describes a sacred edifice of this sort as having existed there in days of old, in which divine service was celebrated three times in the week. When then it is stated, that Sewstern, comprehending certain houses in the county of Lin- coln legally, but not in reality, separated from it, has a population of 360 ; that it is distant a long mile from the parish Church, which will not at present properly accommodate more than 238 persons, while Buckminster alone contains 405 inhabitants ; and, above all, that the condition of the roads between the two villages, on account of the nature of the soil, is such as to render a walk from one to the other in the winter season a work of difficulty and danger to the aged and infirm ; can it seem an ungracious call to any to be invited either in verse or prose to lend their aid towards building " the old wastes of our. Zion," and raising up (in the way now proposed) " the founda- tions of many generations ?" The Author, encouraged by the liberal and kind support of his neighbours, whose hearts God has stirred up to assist him in the work of church extension, has entered into a contract with a builder for the erection of the contemplated Chapel according to a Norman design supplied by Mr. A. Salvin. As it not unfrequently happens in cases of this sort, he finds the funds at present raised by him inadequate for the completion of the undertakinji, .;6'150. or more being required in addition. He therefore sends this collection of his Poems to the press in humble hope that it may be the means, under the divine blessing, of calling forth friendly aid in this his hour of need. If such should not prove to be the case, his consolation will be in considering, that whatever he may be called upon to contribute to God's service, however great momentary inconvenience it may afford, can never be regarded as permanent loss. As a memorial of the friendly aid already contributed towards the work which he has in hand, a list of Subscriptions on account of the proposed Chapel will be found inserted at the conclusion of the Poems. GENEBAL PKEFACE. 1 1 Of Zion at a spot where erst there stood A temple for her children to unite In grateful sacrifice of prayer and praise. Again be heard where once they sounded sweet The psalms of holy David, and again The contrite sinner's heaven-piercing voice All-prevalent for Jesus' glorious cross ! If to perform His purposes of love It pleases Him on whom all works depend For good or ill to bless my humble muse, Him through His blessed Son I will adore As sole accomplisher of that I wish : If otherwise, I humbly will confess His wisdom far above my highest thoughts. ' To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen." — Romans xvi. 27. buckminster vicahagr, February 23, 1842. A DEFENCE OF POESY; AND OTHER POEMS. " I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will speak of all thy marvellous works. " I will be glad and rejoice in thee ; yea, my songs will I make of thy name, O thou Most Highest." PSAL.M ix. 1, 2. TO MY BROTHER, THE REVEREND JOHN LAWSON, M. A. WHO, UNDER THE DIVINE BLESSING. IS NOW ENGAGED IN THE DISTRICT PARISH OF SEATON CAREW, IN THE COUNTY OF DURHAM, OF WHICH HE IS THE PERPETUAL CURATE AND PATRON', IN THE SACRED AND NATIONAL CAUSE OF CHURCH EXTENSION, THESE POEMS ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. J. L. NOTICE. The following Poems treat of various subjects. The author trusts that the community of the object to which they are directed, viz. the raising up the soul to " the fountain of all goodness," may tend to make their variety of detail not wearisome but acceptable to the reader. Feb. 23, 1»42. POEMS I. H IBefence of ^ot^o. Say, what is Poesy? "a dream '• Engender'd by the mountain stream " Which sober thought drives far away, " Bidding the soul its spell obey : " It is a fantasy begot " On some wildflower-bestudded spot, " Where naught but song salutes the ear " From thrush or blackbird seated near. 20 A DEFENCE OF POESY. " It is the frenzied lover's food " Who by the moonshine oft hath stood " To woo his fair one's wsh'd-for sight " With strains too soft for morning hght." Ye poets then make no pretence To number'd be with men of sense — The world's opinion of your art I tell ye — hence in haste depart ! Methinks I hear indignant bard Protesting the decree is hard Which thus enjoins the gentle Muse To suffer the rude world's abuse : " Permit me also to reply " And answer what is Poesy ?" For him thus Fancy makes request. Her following words are thus express'd. " From heav'n descends poetic flame "And soars to heav'n from whence it came. "They err who deem that aught on earth " To its heart-ruling power gave birth ; " Who say with fiction 'tis allied " And walks with madness side by side — " No — 'tis Truth's never-swerving friend, " And will not with dark Error blend. A DEFENCE OF POESY. 21 " Is not the madman truly he " WTio heedless of eternity " Bids his sear'd soul from day to day " Seek riches doom'd to pass away ? " It is the poet's nobler part " To cleanse and elevate the heart, " All nature's beauty to reveal " Which worldly pomp and wealth conceal. " O is there not reality " In Ocean's glorious majesty ? " The firmament's unearthly blue " Proclaims it not its Maker true ? " Does not each little modest flower " Possess a soul-converting power ? "These are the themes to poets dear, " Hence reft of sense do we appear ?" Sir Bard, I own your reasons true — May all soon think as I and you ! Go then in heav'n's own strength and pour. Like minstrels fam'd in days of yore, A flood of song on hearts earth-bound, Clos'd 'gainst the gospel's joyful sound. And quickly may the desert show That hving streams find place below ! 22 11. Ye sweet-ton'd waters, soothe me with your sound As nimbly o'er your rocky course ye bound ! Impart that genial freshness to my breast Which haunts the banks by which ye are caress'd : No truth-exceeding lay your charms require Which satisfy their votaries' desire. The trout enamour'd of your silv'ry spray Exulting wanton through the summer day ; Each tree that o'er you bends its friendly shade With health-infusing moisture is repaid. Shoot forth its leaves in Nature's purest green, From scorching noon-tide heat a welcome screen. > The river which flows by Keswick. — See Appendix A. THE WATERS OF THE GRETA. 23 I would not leave the vale through which ye glide To seat myself in philosophic pride On Skiddaw's heights, and view from thence how vain The occupations of the lowly plain : Enough of vanity and ceaseless strife Presents the beaten track of human life ! Peace sicken'd with the mad designs of men Courts the recesses of the lonely glen^ Where Greta, kindred spirit, owns her spell, And hnk'd in lasting amity bids dwell. Pure stream ! in thee I would her image trace And grasp it firmly in my soul's embrace : So should my thoughts flow ever like thy flood, A current gladd'ning all around with good. On banks hke thine meek Walton c found repose When triumph'd o'er the land his country's foes ; Deeply instructed in the Church's lore He could midst nature's charms her God adore ; The thankful feeHngs of his heav'n-train'd mind Could near each sylvan brook a temple find. While in the gentle zephyr o'er him blown He heard a voice responsive to his own Hymning His love who bids the streamlets flow. And makes both hill and dale with beauty glow. b There is a very sequestered spot ascending the Greta about a mile from Keswick, beyond a horse-cloth manufactory, which is made mention of in " Southey's Sir Thomas More." A visit to this " lonely glen" gave rise to the author's poem. « Izaak Walton. 24 THE "WATEES OE THE GRETA. O may I ever worship at the shrine Where he imbib'd the mystery divine Which kept his soul all harmony within When rag'd abroad successful faction's din. To souls thus nurtur'd dwells a secret power In stream-wash'd vales when worldly prospects lower. To raise the drooping thoughts to Him on high Who came on earth for fallen man to die. Ye advocates of duty, blame him not Who thirsts at times, each common task forgot, Gladly midst Nature's undisturb'd control To yield to God the tribute of his soul. Apart tJa» petition. Years pass away; if unimprov'd Their short-liv'd circuit dies, All most on earth by man belov'd Is hateful in God's eyes ; An idol in the human breast. Provoking Heaven's ire. Robbing the worshipper of rest. The slave of vain desire. Teach, then, thy servant. Lord, the art Of hving unto thee ; A birth- day gift to me impart, The Gospel's mystery : ' Not darkly in the letter hid, But to the soul made plain. Shewing whatever thou dost bid To be man's truest gain ; i Eph. iii. 3. 100 A BIRTH-DAY PETITION. Revealing Jesus' saving might. Deep mystery of love ! Which, seen in part, God's perfect Ught Its vot'ries leads to prove. My pray'r obtained, with fearless eye I'll view time hasten on; My soul wrapt in eternity. And heav'nly treasure won. 101 XXXVIII. €^xiiV& 3Potocr obtv {Bm'i ficart. Man's heart '^ is hard as flinty stone; Do thou, O Christ, draw near. And on it fix thy Spirit's throne, 'Twill love's soft impress bear. All chang'd the inward man will seem, All chang'd the world around. As when, instead of some wild dream. Reality is found. No longer soul-destroying Pride WiU dim the heav'nward sight ; Nor Pleasure's gaudy mantle hide The Gospel's tranquil hght. k See Appendix B. 102 Christ's power over man's heart. No longer will the Saviour's cross Be pass'd unheeded by ; Nor what the senseless world counts loss Draw tears from out the eye. Each stroke of time that breaks the chain Which binds our spirits here. Will welcome be as truest gain, , While heav'n itself shines clear. Come then, O Christ, and warm each heart With thine all-quick' ning ray ; Like Mary,' make us choose the part That never knows decay : Like Mary, open thou our ears To hearken to thy voice ; That, when eternity appears. We may with her rejoice. 1 St. Luke X. 42. 103 XXXIX. Of the imth Psalm. Out of affliction's troubled sea I lift my anxious soul to Thee ; O Lord, in dark adversity Thy servant spare ; Bow down thine ears attentively Unto my pray'r. If ev'ry breach of thy command Should call from heav'n thy chast'ning hand, O Lord, before thee who could stand. And free appear ? Thy mercy 's countless as the sand. Sweet cause of fear.°i m " Therefore shalt thou be feared." 104 PSAIM cxxx. I wait for God my Saviour's light More eagerly than through the night Men watch to see the wish'd-for sight Of dawning day : Thy word is wholly my delight> 'Tis all my stay. The Lord thy hope, O Israel, know ; From him sweet mercy's streams do flow ; A full redemption he'll bestow On thy lov'd race ; And ease the souls from ev'ry woe That seek his face. 105 XL. Suggested by the Tenth Verse of the Twenty-ninth Psalm. " The Lord sitteth upon the flood ; yea, the Lord sitteth king for ever." Darkly affliction's swelling tide Sets in upon the soul ; Who shall its whelming force abide. Or madd'ning course control ? The soul's Redeemer reigns above. He marks the angry flood. And makes it, in his tender love. Flow onward but for good. His rule the crested billows know. He makes their ravings cease ; The boist'rous winds forbear to blow When he proclaimeth peace ; 106 PSALM XXIX. 10. A gleam of tranquil light descends Upon the storm-rack'd breast ; Faith \vith assurance all things blends, And points to heav'nly rest. Rage, then, ye blasts ; ye breakers, high Upheave your yeasty foam ; On Jacob's Star we'U keep our eye. And safely reach our home. Fairest of lights, thy praise be sung By all who feel thy ray ; Be thy sweet influence o'er us flung, And storms shall speed away. 107 XLI. %ms Suggested by our Lord's question, St. John, xx. 15, " Wmnan, why weepest thou ?" " Why weep'st thou ? wipe thine eyes, and see. The lost ones Uves again ; It is the hour of victory. Thy tears gush out in vahi." Not sooner does the sun revive The flower clos'd up by night. Than joy made Mary's heart aUve, As Jesus met her sight. 'Tis He ! such words of tender love What other tongue could speak. Save His who left heav'n's joys above. To soothe the poor and meek ? 1Q8 WHY WEEPEST THOU? " Why weepest thou ?" to each sad soul Be the sweet question borne ; 'Twill make the downcast spirit whole, By worldly trials torn. Ye mourners, at your Saviour's feet Cast all your burdens down; And words of joy your ears shall greet. By you before unknown ; Words which shall shed a cheering light In trouble's darkest hour, And make affliction's dreary night Succumb to Jesus' power. 109 XLII. flarbeiJt. Prolific Ceres' golden store On ev'ry side delights the eyes ; From vale to vale, from shore to shore, Her lib'ral hand man's wants supplies. The valleys laugh,n the hills rejoice. All nature teems with songs of glee ; Who shall interpret her glad voice ? This work, O man, belongs to thee. 'Tis thine, as nature's priest,° to rear Her altar meet in ev'ry land. And offer, each successive year. Her sacrifice with willing hand. n Ps. Ixv. 14. o " Man is the priest of nature, who offers up the praises and thanksgivings of the whole creation to God." — Dr. IVilliam Sherlock. H no HARVEST. • 'Tis thine her feehngs to declare In loudest strains of thankful love ; For thee she yields her ample fare. And hids thee praise her God above. But while before Jehovah's throne. Creation claims thee as her priest. Forget not in her thanks thine own — Thanks for thy soul from death releas'd; Releas'd by Christ, whose blood bids grow A precious harvest to our God Of souls who seek through him to know Sure refuge from th' Almighty's rod. Thus, when the Lord of all shall send His angels to collect his wheat, " The harvest of the earth" shall end In joy before his mercy-seat. Ill XLIII. To sing thy mercies, gracious Lord, I will my heart incline ; Let all my powers with one accord In praise of thee combine. The night and day by turns declare Thy love to man below ; Thou only dost his daily fare And nightly rest bestow. The star-deck'd canopy of night. The blush of dawning day. The varied tints of mellow'd light That mark still ev'ning's way— 112 A HYMN. All, all of Thee, their parent, speak; Oh ! shall they speak in vain ? Let man be mute, the hills vnW break Out in some glorious strain. Yes ! oft does many a craggy steep Echo aloud thy fame. When the dread thunder's accents deep Thy majesty proclaim. As thunder loud, from ev'ry shore May man extol thy ways ; So loud may ocean's tuneful roar Chant forth its Ruler's praise. So loud may Jesus' name be borne. By heralds of his grace, To ev'ry tribe of man forlorn. In earth's remotest place. Then take thy sceptre, mighty King, And o'er us ever reign ; While we to thee pure ofF'rings bring, Redeem'd from sin and pain. 113 XLIV. Autumn. 'Tis Autumn, and a settled stillness sways The wide expanse of heav'n ; not now the sun. As erst, emits its glare, but gently gilds The forest-leaves, to soften their decay ; Now Wisdom, maid divine, delights to walk Far from the crowded city's deaf'ning noise Into some lonely vale, where the crisp'd lapse Of gently murm'ring waters bears her voice To those who track her steps, and long to learn Her precepts, of more value than the gold Barr'd up in misers' chests. Inspir'd by her, The cushat and the redbreast tune their lay ; The first, as if in sympathy with man For hopes prov'd vain, making his griefs her own. In deeply-soothing strain ; the lesser bird Calls us to cheerful faith, and bids us praise 114 AUTUMN. Him who e'en robins shields with fost'ring hand. Midst winter drear. Such strains not vainly fall On him who in the house of pray'r dehghts To humbly bend the knee : not strange they seem. But as church harmony, by birds prolong' d In nature's temple y—that by all be learn'd Who would with Wisdom walk the solemn path Of varied Autumn ! vainly else the leaves Are strewn beneath our feet. To me unfold. Eternal Spirit, what thy word relates Of Jesus' death and resurrection bright : Then let me view the glad tranquillity Of Autumn's sun slow sinking in the west. Presage of future glory. To the grave So msmy a good man, as his bed, descends. Whose loss this thought enables us to bear With resignation. Why should we deplore Those who set here on earth, to rise in heav'n ? The day is past ; the canopy of night Is studded thick with gems, each star the type Of lasting beauty, which adorns the soul That faithfully has serv'd its Lord on earth. Oh, from the graves of all by me belov'd May such supernal glory ever rise ! 115 XLV. Suggested by Bishop Jeremy Taylor, to be meditated upon by those who are awake in bed at night. " Think on all thy friends who are gone before thee, and pray that God would grant to thee to meet them in a joyful resurrection. " — Tatlor's Holy Living. p At midnight hour, when all is still Save Thought, which baffles human skill To lull it into rest, What charm with holy peace shall fill The nightly watcher's breast ? p Bishop Taylor's suggestion cannot fail to recall to the reader'; mind the words of Bishop Ken — " When in the night I sleepless lie. My soul with heav'nly thoughts supply." 116 NIGHT MEDITATION. Think, wakeful soul, with love sincere. On those who once were pilgrims here. But now with Christ abide ; Beheving hearts, to Jesus dear. Death cannot long divide. Pray that the Spirit's grace divine May thee from earthly dross refirje. That thou thy friends may'st meet. And with eternal glory shine Before the Saviour's seat. Such thoughts and pray'r, at midnight hour Possess a soul-reviving pow'r. Like that by angels shed On shepherds who first sought to pour Their blessings on Christ's head. 117 XLVI. Written on St. Luke's Day. ' The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few ; pray ye there- fore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labo\irers into his harvest." — See Gospel for St. Luke's Day. The harvest great, the labourers few : Such sight, Lord, thine eyes did view When thou on earth didst dwell. And bad'st thy chosen ones entreat Thy Father to send pastors meet. To guide thy flock from hell, StiU souls do perish day by day. Still rove like guideless sheep astray. In heathen darkness bound ; Increase the heav'n-appointed band. Thine heralds sent to every land. Thy glorious name to sound. 118 ST. LITKE'S DAT. Like faithful Luke, kind pastors give. To bid the contrite sinner live. Through doctrine of thy word : When faith and truth on earth wax rare. Make them like him affliction bear. For thy dear body,i of light. He shines, to lead thee in the path he trod, The path through Christ, unto the Christian's God, Like that glad harbinger which lustre shed O'er where the infant Jesus laid his head; He shines, to bid thy tears and sorrows cease. And tell thee that in heaven abideth peace. Not long ere thou and he in joy shall meet. And heav'n illumine 'neath the Saviour's feet : Not long ere thou shalt reach that bhssful shore. Where friend meets friend, all worldly conflicts o'er. This was the theme thy dearest lov'd the best. In which he bade thine anxious soul find rest ; That, train'd for heav'n, thy children ^ here might grow. Was what for them he chiefly sought below. Be this remember'd; let fond memory dwell On all in which thy lov'd one did excel : On his pure faith, his meek and lowly mind ; — How in reproving he was ever kind ; u Dan. xi). 3. X Mr. Stewart left behind him two little daughters, his only offspring. TO THE AUTHOE's SISTER. 135 How constantly he labour'd night and day, To lead the wand'rer in salvation's way ; To shed the gospel's balm upon the soul. And bid in Jesus' name the weak be whole ; — Be all remember'd, and from whence he drew That grace alone which makes the heart anew. Thus Christ in his disciple may we trace. And view the Saviour in a brother's face ; A brother, whose bright image dwells enshrin'd Deep in the heart of those he left behind ! I 136 LII. Htnc^ On the same subject as the preceding verses, suggested hy the picture of a ship riding securely at anchor during a storm. See Hebrews vi. 19. See'st thou yon ship, by storms beset. How gallantly she braves the blast ; Though angry billows foam and fret, Firmly her oft-prov'd anchor's cast. In vain the raging winds and sea Unite to drive her on the shore ; She rides in calm security. Amidst the tempest's ceaseless roar. Fit type of him, my sister dear. Whom late by trouble's waves oppress'd. Thou saw'st without misgiving fear. Enter into his heavenly rest. ON A SHIP AT ANCHOK. 137 The ship's strong anchor Ues below. Thine husband's anchor was above. His soul, launch'd on a sea of woe. Was held by cords of Jesus' love. He liv'd a citizen of heaven. In Christ his sure foundation laid. Though sorely toss'd and tempest-driven. He found his God a present aid. A house he had, while here on earth, "Well fitted to delight the eye. But souls who feel their heavenly birth. Desire " to be with. Christ" y on high. They seek a city strongly built ^ By God himself, through his dear Son, Who, when his precious blood was spilt. For faithful souls that city won. There let us fix our lasting home. And all our treasure hide in God, And never from our Father roam. In paths by wicked children trod ! y Philippians i. 23. ^ Hebrews xi. 10. 16. 138 LIII. Of the Twentieth Psalm, addressed to the late Rev. Alexander Steioart, during his last illness. The Lord whom thou didst serve in health Hear thee in trouble's darkest hour ! The Christian's God be all thy wealth. And shield thee from the tempter's power ! Be all thy choicest vows fulfill'd, Which flow from out thy cleansed breast ! Be every anxious feeling still'd, And luU'd into a heavenly rest ! In every mercy God doth give Unto thee, brother, we'll rejoice, And say, " Lord, let Thy servant live, And hear his supplicating voice." THE TWENTIETH PSALM. 139 Now know we God doth surely hear The prayers His own dear children make ; That those who make Him all their fear, Our gracious Lord will ne'er forsake. 'Tis seen in every blessing given. Throughout thy sickness, from above. That those who put their trust in Heaven, Shall find our God a God of love. Some put their trust in human might, — Such trust is found to be in vain : They fall and perish in our sight. And die, no more to live again. But those who make the Lord their stay. In Him do find a source of health ; While wicked men do fall away, And perish in their boasted wealth. O King of heaven, whose dear Son Came upon earth our souls to save. Hear us for thy beloved One, Who triumph'd o'er the gloomy grave. O save us from all doubts and fears. Which separate the soul from Thee ; Save us, while in the vale of tears. From sin and sinfid misery ! I 140 LIV. Of John. 8—10. " And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal ; and he sat down among the ashes. " Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity ? Curse God and die. " But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." From head to foot with grievous sores oppress'd. The righteous Job, obeying Heaven's decree. In ashes sat him down. She who should then Have been his comforter, with wicked speech, Address'd him thus : " What ! still dost thou retain Thy faith unshaken ? Curse thy God and die !" But he, unmov'd, rebuk'd the scornful words Her lips had utter'd : " Thou," he did reply. JOB II. 8—10. 141 " Dost savour of the folly that doth cling To foolish women, who forget their God, And aU his righteous ways. How shall I curse Him who so largely through my life has pour'd His blessings on me ? What ! shall man declare That naught from God, save that which he thinks good. Will he accept? When God most graciously Sends sorrow, to correct man's waywardness. Shall man resist what Heaven itself decrees ? " Thus spoke the righteous Job, while with his lips He sinned not, nor strove against his God. K 142 LV. 2^f!Stgnatton. Lines ivritten on reading John xviii. 11. " Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath ; the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it ? The cup is bitter — change it not, Lord, to suit my pamper' d taste ! I'll yield to Thee, whate'er my lot. So thou unto my soul make haste. The cup is bitter — but far worse The cup which thou didst drink for me. When, bearing fallen nature's curse. Thou diedst to set lost sinners free. The cup is bitter — every drop My past transgressions have deserv'd : My mouth submissively I'll stop. And hope by Thee to be preserv'd. RESIGNATION. 143 The cup is bitter — 'tis design'd To heal the sickness of my soul : I'll bear its purpose in my mind, 'T\vill sorrow's raging flood control. O Thou, who didst ascend to heaven By meekly suffering here below, — Jesus, to us may grace be given, Like thee, to drink the cup of woe. 144 LVI. Addressed to the late Hon. and Right Rev. Charles James Steioart, Bisliop of Quebec, during his last illness. O THOU, who well hast fought Thy Christian warfare here. Who painfully^ hast taught Christ's flock in love and fear : Quebec's good Bishop, ere thou seek'st thy rest. May we through thee eternally be bless'd ! Bless'd in beholding thee. Like to the setting sun Ere sinks it in the sea. Its stage of glory run : Bless'd whilst in thee we view the glorious sight Of Christ triumphant over Satan's might. a " Painfully," according to the old meaning of the word, ' with care and diligence." TO THE BISHOP OF QUEBEC. 145 May heaven's purest air Fresh health to thee impart. And may that tender care Which presses on thine heart, — The care for Christ's dear flock,— be all fulfiU'd Ere upon earth thy shepherd's voice is still'd ! It were not good to stay A pilgrim here below, "When Christ doth call away From out this world of woe : But still may'st thou survive on earthly ground Till one that's meet to fill thy place is found ! Till then we would entreat Our God thy life to spare — Then, may'st thou rise to meet Thy Saviour in the air. And sing for ever with the saints above The glorious anthem of Redeeming Love ! And here, whUe God doth give Thee as a boon to men. May thy just spirit live With youthful hopes again ; While we press on, thine own lov'd cause to aid. For which a gift too dear thou thought'st could ne'er be made I^ b See Appendix B. 146 LVII. Of the Forttj-Slxth Psalm. FIRST PORTION. God is our hope, our present aid; We will not therefore be dismay' d. Though earth should quake beneath our feet. And hills with seas in conflict meet. Let ocean's waves lash high and roar. And mountains back the echo pour ; Stm, where God's city glads the eye, The peacefxil stream flows rippling by. God dwells in her — for aye she '11 stand. Supported by th' Almighty's hand ; The heathen nations vainly rage When with our God they war engage. PSALM XLVI. 147 God thunders — earth shall melt away And quickly own his sovereign sway; With us the Lord of hosts is found ; Our tents doth Jacob's God surround. SECOND PORTION. O come and see what God hath wrought ! On earth He hath destruction brought : He ends fierce wars, and knaps the spear : War's chariot burns when he draws near. " Be still, and know that I am God : Ye nations, bow beneath my rod ! Among the heathen I'U be great, And above earth exalt my seat." The Lord of countless hosts on high Protects us Avith His watchful eye ; Our Father Jacob's God is near, A refuge from all earthly fear. 148 LVIII. Addressed to a Lady on the loss of her little boy Henry. Heav'n is our home — our place of rest Lies far beyond the skies. Where dwell the saints for ever bless'd Through Jesus' sacrifice. Mourn not for those who early gain Their Father's dwelling-place : They ne'er shall know tormenting pain, "Who see God face to face. Grief for thine Henry's death forego. Suppress each rising tear ! WTiy weep for him who feels no woe. Who knows not any fear ? A child no more, to manhood grown In knowledge of God's love, To him the mysteries are shown By angels sung above. TO A LADY. 149 He knows the breadth, the depth, the height Of things unseen by man, And loves with ever fresh delight Redemption's work to scan. Yet not forgot his place of birth Where first he drew his breath : The mem'ry of the lov'd on earth Survives the stroke of death. With joy he views each billow pass'd Between thee and the shore, Where heav'nly joys for ever last. And sorrow's pangs are o'er. Weep then no more for thy dear boy ! He rests secure in heaven : The Christian's crown he doth enjoy. To Christ's dear children given. When worldly trials rudely fall Across thine aching breast. Anticipate the Saviour's call To enter into rest ! When thou with Henry shalt unite God's endless praise to sing, And, sin's dark veil remov'd from sight, A spotless off'ring bring. 150 LIX. Written on reading Acts xvi. 25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God : and the prisoners heard them." Inspir'd with holy glee. Good Paul and Silas sang; Their hymn in accents free Throughout the prison rang. The pris'ners with them bound Did start their voice to hear. As came the solemn sound Upon the waking ear. O wherefore did they sing While bound in captive cell ? 'Twas Christ their heavenly King Who in their hearts did dwell. ACTS XVI. 25. 151 No fetters can control Him whom the Lord sets free ; His blood-redeemed soul Doth mount, O God, to thee ! If Paul and Silas bold In prison sang God's praise. Let not our hearts grow cold. But hymns of glory raise. I i 152 LX. <3n ^tmtiQ, a 53lacfebirt Ringing, On a Winter-like Evening at the end of March, 1837. Sing on, sweet bird, though dark the sky. And chill the ev'ning air ; Thou tell'st of brighter moments nigh. And bidd'st us banish care. Thou tell'st us summer hastens on, — 'Tis winter's latest hour ; Though sharp the blast, 'twUl soon be gone, And spent its short-hv'd power. May He who fills thy breast with glee, To us thy spirit give. To sing in dark adversity His praise by whom we live. When all on earth looks sad around. May faith direct our sight Where summer's purest joys abound In realms of endless light. So hke to thee, sweet bird, we'll sing. Regardless of to-day : However sharp affliction's sting, 'Tis doom'd to pass away. I MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. LXL Written at the commencement of June 1837. When all around looks fresh and green, And opens fair each rural scene. How sweet to stray Where foot of man hath seldom been — Far, far away : To note in aU we see around How blessings ev'ry where abound. And God doth give To all that dwell above the ground Their power to hve. 154 VEKSES Each work and creature do declare How great Jehovah's mercies are, How great his love : There's naught on earth but feels the care Of One above. But chiefly man — whate'er we find That's good or perfect in its kind , To him is given, To guide his ever wapvard mind From earth to heaven. Let then all human voices raise A universal song of praise Unto the King, Who knows the secret thoughts and ways Of every thing ! Let night to night, and day to day Man's gratitude to God display. And never cease Till, time no more, all things obey The Prince of Peace. Then souls, from ev'ry fetter free. Shall keep a constant jubilee. While face to face The source of all their joys they see— The God of grace. WRITTEN IN JUNE 1837. 155 "While lasts this life, with heaven-train'd eye Let 's scan all nature's mystery ! It will unfold His ways, who through eternity Doth ne'er wax old. 156 LXII. Written during the Snow-storm of Christmas 1836. Not man's frail will, but thine be done, O Thou who sent'st on earth thy Son A guilty world to free ! Through vtanter's blast, and clouds of snow, Our hymns of praise shall upward go. And mount, O God, to thee ! We worship thine almighty power In the dark tempest's fearful hour. As sweeps it o'er our head : Our souls, supported by thine aid. View the sad prospect undismay'd, Unaw'd by guHty dread. THE SNOW-STOKM. 157 We praise thee while on every side The feather'd tribes are scatter'd wide ; Yet we thy goodness share. O may that goodness fill our heart. And make us unto them impart From out our ample fare ! If hitherto, unskill'd in praise. On earth we've pass'd our thankless days. Let us at last awake ; And, while we feel God's saving arm Protecting us from fear of harm. Our thankful ofF'ring make ! To Him, who when this world shall end WiU prove the contrite sinner's Friend, Let all God's mercies lead ! To us, when storms beset the path Of those who mock at judgment's wrath, May He in pity speed ! 158 LXIII. Cl^n'gtmag 30ap. Hail ! heav'n-born day. on which the Sun Of Righteousness his course begun ; Inspir'd by thy soul-stirring power. Forget we wintry storms that lower ! Let Spring, adorn' d with chaplets gay, Lead o'er the earth its joyous way ; ]^et Summer all her glories shed, And Autumn rear his fruit-crown'd head ! They cannot, let them all unite. Produce a day of such pure light As that which Winter brings to earth. Ennobled by the Saviour's birth. () how should souls by Christ set free Rejoice, blest day, at sight of thee ! What thankful offering should they bring At Christmas to their heavenly King ! /' CHRISTMAS DAY. 159 He asks from all a %villing heart, That vows from Him 'twill ne'er depart : He only hath redeem'd the soul,— O let Him freely take the whole. "Yes Lord, on this thy day we give Ourselves to Thee, through whom we hve. Look down upon us from above. And fill us with celestial love." \ 160 LXIV. To the Departing Year. Thy course, old year, is run, — We ne'er shall meet again : What in thee we have done. For ever shall remain. Recorded in God's book, Against the judgment day. Oh ! could we there but look, 'Twould fill us with dismay To see the deeds on earth By sinful mortals wrought; Whose sovds, through second birth, The Lord himself had bought. But not dark deeds of sin Alone displays God's page ; There's good reveal'd within. Perform' d in ev'ry age : TO THE DEPAKTING YEAR. 161 Deeds, hid from mortal sight, Of charity and love ; Illum'd with heav'nly light, "Which circles all above. What 'b gone, and from us pass'd, We never can recall ; What yet of life shall last. To God be given all ! Let us through Christ redeem Our precious hours mispent : His blood's atoning stream Will make our God relent. 162 LXV. Applicable to an inquisitive person, suggested by reading Matt. vii. 5. " Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." Into thy brother's breast why cast thine eyes ? Is it that thou his virtuous deeds may prize ? If so, thou may'st thy gen'rous toil forbear, — To God alone man's secret thoughts are bare. But if with jaundic'd eye thou seek'st to spy Some hidden fault, thou doest wickedly ; " Know thy own self," — the only way to know The art of judging others here below ; When thou thy brother wouldst severely scan. Remember thou thyself art but a man ! Look to thyself, lest thou be cast away. And ever when thou pray'st, for others pray ! 163 LXVI. Of the Thirteenth Portion of Psalm 119. •' O, how love I thy law !" How doth thy law, from morn till night, O Lord, aflFord me pure delight ! Above my foes thou lift'st my head. Because I'm by thy precepts led. My teachers also I excel. For thy pure word in me doth dwell : I'm wiser than the aged grown. By heark'ning to thy voice alone. That I may wholly Thee obey, I turn from ev'ry evil way; 'Tis Thou that teachest me Thy will, Therefore I shrink before no ill. Thy words unto my throat how sweet ! No honey can with them compete ! By them I'm taught to know the path That 's free from thy avenging wrath. 164 LXVII. To the Questions, " What is Heaven, y7hat is Hell?" Say, What is heaven ?— "The place of rest For souls by dread of sin oppress'd ; The place where round the Saviour's throne Abide the pure in heart alone ; Where saints in sweet communion meet. And cast their crowns at Jesus' feet, Displaying there the wondrous sight Of blood-wash'd garments milky white ; The place where no dark fears are known. Where joy and peace exist alone ; The place where God doth dwell above. That, that is heaven, which we love." Say, What is hell ?— Shrink back with fear. My soul, the dreadful words to hear : — " The place where dwell perpetual fire. And worms that gnaw and never tire ; While weary souls they make their prey. Who would not Jesus' word obey." — Through Christ, from gloomy hell set free, O Father, may we come to Thee ! 165 LXVIII. To an ancient Village Church. Time-hallow'd pile, where worldly care Yields to the soothing voice of prayer. And hymns triumphant seek the air Of heaven ! In thee our care-worn souls begin To feel God's joy and peace within. While hearing, in Christ's name, of sin Forgiven. In thee we first receive the sign,c Where bright baptismal waters shine. Which Christian soldiers should combine Together. c The sign of the cross. 166 TO AJSr ANCIENT VILLAGE CHURCH. In thee the Saviour's sacrifice Through his own symbols